Cowboy Cheesy Garlic Bread
A bold, cheesy, and flavor-packed garlic bread topped with smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a hint of spice—perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf
- - 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- - 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- - 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños optional
- - 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- - 1 tsp smoked paprika
- - 1/2 tsp black pepper
- - 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Slice baguette in half lengthwise. Place cut-side up on baking sheet.
- Mix butter, olive oil, garlic, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Spread garlic butter over bread halves.
- Top with cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, jalapeños, and green onions.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil 1–2 minutes for a crisp finish.
- Garnish with parsley, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- Bread Options: Use a crusty French baguette, Italian loaf, or even sourdough for best results. Avoid overly soft bread, as it may become soggy.
- Make it Spicy: For a kick, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Custom Toppings: This is a great base recipe—try adding diced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or pulled pork for a heartier version.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the bread ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
- Freezing Tips: Wrap assembled (unbaked) bread in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Best reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch.